The cigar lights easily enough, and I try to take a few puffs, however it’s a no go as the draw is just too tight. A trickle of smoke gets through, so I continue to puff hoping that it may open up once warmed. The burn is good with a medium gray ash forming that is very loose and falls off easily at ¾”. I can’t discern any flavor really as there’s just not enough coming through.
With a good deal of puffing, which is making the back of my jaws ache, I actually get about 2 inches burned down. But, after about a third in the cigar completely plugs up and there’s no draw at all, none. The cigar is rather soft close to the burn, and about an inch down from it there’s a spot that feels like a knot. I’m thinking about just putting it down, however decide to go ahead and try to run the draw tool through it, although on such a small ring gauge I fear it may crack. Carefully, I push the tool in and it does well enough with no popping/cracking sounds. After pulling it back out, I try the draw and holy smokes it’s flowing good! I immediately get a very good spice that hits the back of the throat, which I really wasn’t expecting. There’s a good medium strength in the smoke with flavors of very rich coffee, dark wood, and worn leather coming through with a lasting finish when exhaled.
I was able to get smoke through for about three good draws, but unfortunately it didn’t last as it closed up again, not allowing much at all through. I attempted using my draw tool a couple more times and did get a good amount of smoke through right after, however it would close back up again shortly after. Making it over halfway, the burn started going to one side right at where the knot was. I tried to draw smoke, however none would come through, yet poured from the fire. At this point I decided to put this thing down as my jaws were just give out.
It’s definitely a shame about the draw issues with this cigar as from the few good draws I did get, the smoke was very good with perfect spice and excellent, lasting flavor. Ah well, I gave it a good try! Jimmy, thanks very much my friend for sending!
